{"id":480800,"date":"2026-09-30T20:08:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T20:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/480800\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T20:08:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T20:08:16","slug":"the-best-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-san-diego-oct-2-4-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/480800\/","title":{"rendered":"The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Oct. 2-4 \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 4.<\/p>\n<p>Friday<br \/>\nMuseums<\/p>\n<p>Kids Free in October:\u00a0For the 15th time, San Diego County museums, attractions and cultural institutions are joining together to provide free admission for kids with an accompanying paying adult. There are more than 60 participants this year, including Living Coast Discovery Center, WorldBeat Cultural Center, USS Midway Museum, Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, Oceanside Museum of Art and Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See the San Diego Museum Council\u2019s online guide for details. Oct. 1-31. <a href=\"https:\/\/sandiegomuseumcouncil.org\/specials\/kidsfree\/\" data-mrf-link=\"https:\/\/sandiegomuseumcouncil.org\/specials\/kidsfree\/\" data-mrf-recirculation-id=\"Article Links_6\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sandiegomuseumcouncil.org\/specials\/kidsfree<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Seasonal<\/p>\n<p>Oktoberfest in La Mesa: Oktoberfest in La Mesa features three biergartens, international food, a kids area, Gl\u00fccklich games, Bavarian bingo, a pumpkin patch and other activities. Four different ticket prices are available with perks ranging from a VIP bar and a commemorative hat to front-of-line privileges. Friday to Sunday. La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Avenue. $15-$54.89 for adults, $11.59-22.93 for under 21. lamesaoktoberfest.org<\/p>\n<p>Oktoberfest In El Cajon: The German American Societies of San Diego host Oktoberfest in El Cajon. Highlights include authentic German food and beers on tap along with oompah music by the Guggenbach-Buam band from Germany. There will be traditional folk dancing along with games and contests. Other attractions include shopping booths, a kids\u2019 zone and an air rifle shooting range. 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Entry fees are $15 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $5 on Sundays and free for those younger than 21, club members with a current membership and active-duty military. <a href=\"http:\/\/oktoberfestelcajon.com\/\" data-mrf-link=\"http:\/\/oktoberfestelcajon.com\/\" data-mrf-recirculation-id=\"Article Links_1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OktoberfestElCajon.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiegouniontribune.com\/2026\/09\/23\/bring-on-the-beer-bratwurst-and-german-oompah-bands-for-oktoberfest\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bring on the beer, bratwurst and German oompah bands for Oktoberfest<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Community<\/p>\n<p>San Diego Climate Week:\u00a0From Oct. 1 to Oct. 8, local communities, scientists, tribal nations, businesses, artists, policymakers and residents will come together for dozens of events focused on climate change. Events include beach and park clean ups, workshops, panels and hikes. <a href=\"https:\/\/sdclimateweek.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sdclimateweek.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Theater<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Dear Evan Hansen\u2019 closing weekend: Cygnet Theatre presents the final performances of Pasek and Paul\u2019s Tony Award-winning musical about a lonely teen who suddenly becomes social media-famous after a tragedy occurs. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Joseph Clayes III Stage, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, San Diego. $24.50-$78.\u00a0 619-337-1525, <a href=\"https:\/\/cygnettheatre.org\/show\/season26-27\/dear-evan-hansen\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">cygnettheatre.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, Mary!\u201d: Broadway San Diego will launch the national tour of Cole Escola\u2019s Tony-nominated comedy which imagines what would happen if Mary Todd Lincoln was a drunkard with an unrequited dream of being a famous cabaret star. Drag queen Alaska Thunderf*ck will play Mary and 2023 Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee will play Mary\u2019s Husband. 8 p.m. today; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.broadwaysd.com\/upcoming-events\/oh-mary\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">broadwaysd.com\/upcoming-events\/oh-mary\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is Government\u201d: Moxie Theatre presents Nina Kissinger\u2019s dark comedy about a group of U.S. Congressional summer interns questioning the stability of their jobs and the government when Capitol Hill is locked down due to a bomb threat.\u00a0Opens Friday and runs through Oct. 25. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, San Diego. $20 and up. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moxietheatre.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">moxietheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA Black-billed Cuckoo\u201d: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Mat Smart\u2019s new play about a group of bird-watchers at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, whose members are desperate to spot a rare and highly elusive species. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 11. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla. $30-$69. 858-550-1010, <a href=\"https:\/\/lajollaplayhouse.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lajollaplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood Night, Oscar\u201d: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Doug Wright\u2019s Broadway drama inspired by the real-life 1958\u00a0 broadcast of the mentally troubled, but brilliant, composer-pianist Oscar Levant\u2019s appearance on Jack Paar\u2019s TV talk show. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $63.50-$66.50. 858-481-1055, <a href=\"https:\/\/northcoastrep.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">northcoastrep.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cTopdog\/Underdog\u201d: The Old Globe presents Suzan-Lori Parks\u2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning tragicomedy about two Black brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who struggle to make a living through humiliating jobs and card games. Despite their intense sibling bond, their rivalry becomes a destructive force. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. Sheryl &amp; Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $97-$119. 619-234,5623, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoldglobe.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">theoldglobe.org<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBegin Again\u201d:The Old Globe presents the world premiere of John Carney, Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy\u2019s film-inspired musical about a singer and a songwriter who meet at an open-mic night and change each others\u2019 lives, featuring a score by the band Train. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $66 and up. 619-234-5623, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoldglobe.org\/pdp\/26-season\/much-ado-about-nothing\/#?startDate=2026-08-01&amp;?endDate=2026-08-31\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cAmerican Rhythm\u201d: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre has revived its high-energy musical celebration of 100 years of American music, from ragtime to swing, jazz and rock and roll. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 24. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lambsplayers.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lambsplayers.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Saturday<br \/>\nSports<\/p>\n<p>SDSU Football:\u00a0The Aztecs will look to turn their season around at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday against Texas State. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. Ticket start at $44.12. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snapdragonstadium.com\/events\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">snapdragonstadium.com\/events<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Film<\/p>\n<p>Fallbrook Bonsall International Film Festival: This festival will present 22 films from around the world, including productions in animation, documentary and student films. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Historic Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook. $20. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbiff.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fbiff.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Books<\/p>\n<p>North Park Book Fair: The North Park Book Fair returns \u201cbigger, better, and with Verbatim Books at the helm from start to finish,\u201d according to an event announcement. It will feature local bookstores and literary vendors as well as artisans, publishers and comic book artists. There will also be a costume contest, readings and other activities. Oct. 3. North Park Way from 29th Street to Ray Street. Free. <a href=\"https:\/\/verbatimbooks.com\/events\/#event=verbatim-books-presents-the-north-park-book-fair-2\" data-mrf-link=\"https:\/\/verbatimbooks.com\/events\/#event=verbatim-books-presents-the-north-park-book-fair-2\" data-mrf-recirculation-id=\"Article Links_7\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">verbatimbooks.com\/events\/#event=verbatim-books-presents-the-north-park-book-fair-2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Museums<\/p>\n<p>Aerofest:\u00a0The San Diego Air and Space Museum will host an open hangar day featuring family-friendly activities, docent-led tours, information on airplane history and a close look at restoration projects. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Air &amp; Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex, 335 Kenney St., El Cajon. $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children under 12. Free for ages 2 and under. <a href=\"https:\/\/sandiegoairandspace.org\/calendar\/event\/aerofest-open-hangar-museum-sale\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sandiegoairandspace.org\/calendar\/event\/aerofest-open-hangar-museum-sale<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Music<\/p>\n<p>Daughtry: The Grammy-nominated rock group will perform at Harrah\u2019s. 8 p.m. Saturday. 777 Harrah\u2019s Rincon Way, Funner. Ticket start at $45.15. <a href=\"https:\/\/harrahssocal.com\/entertainment\/events\/daughtry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">harrahssocal.com\/entertainment\/events\/daughtry<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gardens<\/p>\n<p>Open Air Yoga: San Diegans can enjoy the surroundings of the San Diego Botanic Garden during an outdoor yoga session. Participants should bring their own mat and sun protection. 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. $27 for pre-registered nonmembers, $17 for pre-registered members. tickets.sdbg.org\/saturdayyogafy27\/2773<\/p>\n<p>Beer<\/p>\n<p>Rancho Beernado Festival: AleSmith Brewing Company, Black Plague, Harland Brewing Co., Chula Vista Brewery, Blowfish Tequila and Pure Project are among the participant\u2019s in the 2026 Rancho Beernado Festival. Tickets come with unlimited 2-ounce pours, music, wine and free parking. Oct. 3. Rancho Bernardo\u2019s Webb Park, 11666 Avena Place, San Diego. $65. ranchobeernardofestival.com<\/p>\n<p>Dance<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Trolley Dances\u2019 returns this weekend: San Diego Dance Theater\u2019s annual \u201cTrolley Dances\u201d is back with hourly guided tours on Saturday and Sunday. Choreographers Terry Wilson, Erica Buechner, Jessica Rabanzo-Flores, Spencer John Powell and Jean Isaacs have created site-specific dances along the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System\u2019s Blue Line. Tours leave from the UTC mall transit center every hour beginning at 10 a.m. until the last tour at 3 p.m. both days. Meet at the ticketing table on the top level of the UTC mall parking structure, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego. $46.90, general admission, $31.60, students, seniors, military, and professional artists. <a href=\"http:\/\/sandiegodancetheater.org\/performance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/sandiegodancetheater.org\/performance&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1790196672124000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WwzvRteTPjZ-Pl-_QuF_L\">sandiegodancetheater.org\/performance<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Asian American Dance Festival Community Day: The annual festival concludes with a free, all-day program of performances by San Diego area dance companies and individual dancers. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. City Heights Performance Annex, 3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego. Free. <a href=\"https:\/\/tiltshiftdance.org\/aadf2026\" data-mrf-link=\"https:\/\/tiltshiftdance.org\/aadf2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tiltshiftdance.org\/aadf2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p>PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company presents \u201cBalik Tanaw: Pulse, Breath, Legacy\u201d: The traditional Filipino dance company celebrates its 56th season with a program of new choreography featuring 43 dancers and seven musicians in festive costumes. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.. Joan B Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$50.<a href=\"https:\/\/pasacat.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> pasacat.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Classical music<\/p>\n<p>San Diego Symphony: Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare will conduct the orchestra in a program of Strauss\u2019s \u201cA Hero\u2019s Life,\u201d Mozart\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 24 featuring Jefin Bronfman and Gubaidulina\u2019s Fairytale Poem. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $43-$129. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiegosymphony.org\/performances\/payare-leads-strauss\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sandiegosymphony.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sunday<br \/>\nSeasonal<\/p>\n<p>Olivenhain Oktoberfest: The festival presented by the Olivenhain Town Council features local brews, German dishes and live music. The band will play German melodies, European harvest anthems and American pop hits. Guests are encouraged to wear a dirndl or lederhosen and bring their lawn chairs. The menu includes bratwurst and red cabbage, hot dogs, potato salad, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and dessert. The beer and wine garden offers craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. The beer and wine garden features craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Olivenhain Meeting Hall Grounds, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. Food and drink tickets are $25 to $50; $10 for children. Event volunteers receive $10 discount. <a href=\"http:\/\/olivenhain.org\/oktoberfest\" data-mrf-link=\"http:\/\/olivenhain.org\/oktoberfest\" data-mrf-recirculation-id=\"Article Links_5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">olivenhain.org\/oktoberfest<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Festivals<\/p>\n<p>Multicultural Festival: Dancers, bands and singers representing Southeastern San Diego will gather and perform for a multicultural celebration. Chamorro food and dishes from Laos will be available. There will also be kids activities, resources and other activities. RSVP required.\u00a01 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Market Creek Plaza, 336 Euclid Ave., San Diego. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/multicultural-festival-day-tickets-1999041798833\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">eventbrite.com\/e\/multicultural-festival-day-tickets-1999041798833<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Music<\/p>\n<p>Josh Turner: Country singer Josh Turner will bring the This Country Music Thing tour to Harrah\u2019s. 8 p.m. Sunday. 777 Harrah\u2019s Rincon Way, Funner. Ticket start at $39. <a href=\"https:\/\/harrahssocal.com\/entertainment\/events\/josh-turner-this-country-music-thing-tour\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">harrahssocal.com\/entertainment\/events\/josh-turner-this-country-music-thing-tour<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Classical music<\/p>\n<p>Le Salon de Musiques season kickoff: This La Jolla-based presenting organization will present a councert by for musicians including\u00a0 former Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster and touring violinist Martin Chalifour. 4 p.m. Sunday. The La Jolla Woman\u2019s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. $69-$120. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiegouniontribune.com\/2026\/09\/30\/the-best-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-san-diego-oct-2-4\/tel:(310)%20498-0257\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">310-498-0257<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lesalondemusiques.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/lesalondemusiques.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1790196672128000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ztt-ZDZJrn9-tSbAj2g44\">lesalondemusiques.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Camarada presents \u201cPoetics of the Arrabal\u201d: Camarada Tango Quartet flutist Beth Ross, violinist David Buckley, bassist-composer Andr\u00e9s Mart\u00edn and pianist Dana Burnett will be joined by mezzo-soprano Gabriela Boj\u00f3rquez and tenor Mart\u00edn del Le\u00f3n for works by Astor Piazzolla. 6:30 p.m.Sunday. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. $50-$75. 619-231-3702, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.camarada.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">camarada.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 2&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":480801,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[74,76,75,420,1696],"class_list":["post-480800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories-sdut"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=480800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480800\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/480801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}